Evo-Stik League Southern News - Poole Town

Poole Town’s Evo-Stik League Southern League status was secured yesterday after the Division One South & West club’s Tatnam ground passed the FA’s D grade – enabling the Dolphins to compete in the end of season play-offs.

Dolphins vice-chairman Chris Reeves confirmed that the party of officials, led by the FA’s facilities manager for the South West Simon Wood, were satisfied the club had completed the necessary work.

Only the path on the school side of the ground will need the final green light from Wembley chiefs. However, the club expects the path to be passed, although that decision will not affect the award of the D grade.

After the inspection, Reeves told the Bournemouth Echo: “We’re delighted to say everything is fine – the chap was extremely complimentary with what we have done, so it was a relief.

“They have categorically assured us that all the issues and bits and pieces listed have been dealt with and they have given us a tick in every area.

“The expectation is that the fourth side of the ground will be fine – Simon (Wood) has to send some photos to FA headquarters, but that will only duplicate what had already been sent by us when we laid the path.

“We were pretty confident before the inspection and the expectation is that the path will be fine – we’re just awaiting the formal green light.”

The grading allows the Dolphins into the Southern Premier Division should they win the play-offs, with the C grade required by March 31st, 2013, if they do go up.